It further pointed out that Mr Udoh was in 2023 elected to lead the National Civil Society Initiative on CSO Self-Regulation in Nigeria …
By TheInvestigator
The Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State, also known as the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Organizations Forum, has dismissed a publication claiming that civil society groups in the state have disowned the Forum, describing it as “an act of mischief” by individuals who lack authority to speak for the network.
In a statement signed by its Board of Trustees (BOT) and member organizations, the Forum clarified that it has been in existence since 2008 and was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2014 as the Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State (AKGCODA).
The Forum explained that it is part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states and the FCT, and has consistently worked with donor agencies, development partners, and government institutions to drive socio-economic interventions worth millions of dollars into the state.
“Membership of the Forum is open to development-focused organizations and guided by a code of conduct. Since inception, we have worked collectively to advance development while respecting the independence of other CSOs,” the statement noted.
The Forum listed its Board of Trustees (BOT) as including respected citizens such as Dr Uduak Akpan, Mr Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Mrs Emem Akpan Nkereuwem, Barr. Ekaette Anwana, Dr Ini Adiakpan, Dr Nsekpong Udoh, and Mr Harry Udoh, who currently chairs the BOT and Executive Council.
It further pointed out that Mr Udoh was in 2023 elected to lead the National Civil Society Initiative on CSO Self-Regulation in Nigeria, a development the Forum described as recognition of his integrity and leadership.
“The individuals behind the said publication are not members of our Forum and have no legitimacy to speak on our behalf. Their claims should be disregarded,” the statement declared.
The Forum urged government institutions, donor agencies, security agencies, and the public to continue engaging with its recognized leadership, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening civic space, advancing good governance, and promoting the collective development of Akwa Ibom State.
The statement was jointly signed by the Forum’s BOT members and representatives of over 30 civil society organizations, including Policy Alert, Youth Alive Foundation, Women United for Economic Empowerment (WUEE), Clement Isong Foundation, Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative, and Partnership for Community Empowerment (PACE), among others.